Turn off Find My iPhone Activation Lock

Learn how to turn off Activation Lock so that you can set up and use your device.

Activation Lock is designed to keep your device and your information safe in case your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch is ever lost or stolen. If you erase your device without signing out of iCloud first, it might stay protected by Activation Lock. Whether you erased your own device or bought one from someone else, you can turn off Activation Lock by entering the correct Apple ID and password.

If you bought the device from someone else

Before you buy an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller, make sure that the device is erased and no longer linked to the previous owner’s account.

If you turn on your device and see one of these screens, you need help from the previous owner.

If you see the Activation Lock screen, the device is still linked to the previous owner's account.

If you see the passcode lock screen or the Home screen, the device isn't erased.

Ask the previous owner for help

If the device is linked to a previous owner's account and they're close by, ask them to enter their Apple ID and password on the Activation Lock screen and remove the device from their account.

If you see the passcode screen and the device isn't erased, ask the previous owner to unlock the device and go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. They'll need to enter their Apple ID and password.

If the previous owner isn't with you

If the previous owner isn't present, contact them and ask them to follow these steps: